Unit 7 – Mobile apps Assignment 1
development
BTEC LEVEL 3 IT
UNIT 7: MOBILE
APPS
DEVELOPMENT
ASSIGNMENT 1
, Unit 7 – Mobile apps Assignment 1
development
Types of mobile apps
Understand the characteristics and implications of different types of mobile applications,
including:
Native apps – those that are programmed for, and installed on, a specific mobile platform
Native application software for mobile devices refers to applications that have been created
for a specific platform and operating system. Being programmed for the device OS allows a
mobile application to run faster and more flexibly. If the application is distributed onto
different mobile devices, then different versions are written for the OS [1].
Web apps – remote apps not required to be installed on the device, e.g. mobile web pages
Web applications are designed to be functional on a mobile device using a web browser. This
means there is no installation of application software required onto the device. General web
developers ensure compatibility meaning that the website they create can be accessed and
used correctly on mobile devices [2]. Some websites that are used on desktop are loaded the
same onto a mobile device because a web application has not been developed. This makes the
website difficult to use and non-functional on a mobile device.
Hybrid apps – cross-platform-compatible scripting that can be installed on a device.
As suggested by the name, hybrid mobile applications combine both elements of a native and
web application. The application is required to embed itself onto the web browser, which is
useful for developing apps that do not need a high amount of processing power. Although
hybrid applications are within the web browser, like native apps they still require access to
the device’s hardware functions [3].
The impact of current/emerging technology
Current technology has allowed for native apps like Pokémon Go to make more use of virtual
and augmented reality through mobile cameras and locations for more immersive
applications and experiences. Emerging technologies have enabled native apps to connect
with external devices, such as the development of wearable apple smartwatches in recent
years [4]. Emerging technology has allowed access to the use of Internet of Things in mobile
applications, such as the use of cloud. Another example of emerging technology impacting
the development of mobile applications is the use of artificial intelligence. This is because
AI’s features have allowed developers to explore possibilities such as customising ads
displayed on apps that make use of them, adding virtual assistants or AI chatbots and being
used for fraud detection in apps that make the use of financial details.
Comparison of different types of mobile applications
Pokémon Go, Uber & Gmail.
development
BTEC LEVEL 3 IT
UNIT 7: MOBILE
APPS
DEVELOPMENT
ASSIGNMENT 1
, Unit 7 – Mobile apps Assignment 1
development
Types of mobile apps
Understand the characteristics and implications of different types of mobile applications,
including:
Native apps – those that are programmed for, and installed on, a specific mobile platform
Native application software for mobile devices refers to applications that have been created
for a specific platform and operating system. Being programmed for the device OS allows a
mobile application to run faster and more flexibly. If the application is distributed onto
different mobile devices, then different versions are written for the OS [1].
Web apps – remote apps not required to be installed on the device, e.g. mobile web pages
Web applications are designed to be functional on a mobile device using a web browser. This
means there is no installation of application software required onto the device. General web
developers ensure compatibility meaning that the website they create can be accessed and
used correctly on mobile devices [2]. Some websites that are used on desktop are loaded the
same onto a mobile device because a web application has not been developed. This makes the
website difficult to use and non-functional on a mobile device.
Hybrid apps – cross-platform-compatible scripting that can be installed on a device.
As suggested by the name, hybrid mobile applications combine both elements of a native and
web application. The application is required to embed itself onto the web browser, which is
useful for developing apps that do not need a high amount of processing power. Although
hybrid applications are within the web browser, like native apps they still require access to
the device’s hardware functions [3].
The impact of current/emerging technology
Current technology has allowed for native apps like Pokémon Go to make more use of virtual
and augmented reality through mobile cameras and locations for more immersive
applications and experiences. Emerging technologies have enabled native apps to connect
with external devices, such as the development of wearable apple smartwatches in recent
years [4]. Emerging technology has allowed access to the use of Internet of Things in mobile
applications, such as the use of cloud. Another example of emerging technology impacting
the development of mobile applications is the use of artificial intelligence. This is because
AI’s features have allowed developers to explore possibilities such as customising ads
displayed on apps that make use of them, adding virtual assistants or AI chatbots and being
used for fraud detection in apps that make the use of financial details.
Comparison of different types of mobile applications
Pokémon Go, Uber & Gmail.
